Flaunt magazine’s “New Guantanamo” party has a few people shaking their heads, including its one-time sponsors: cosmetics manufacturers Smashbox and fashionable jean designers True Religion. The party invite features images of scantily-clad women carrying assault rifles and the promise of “Pleasurable Torture” sponsored by the two companies.

Since the story broke on website Refinery 29, (Warning: Nudity. Not safe for prudes and busybodies – like this guy) the two companies have been scrambling to distance themselves from the resulting media blow-out. Smashbox’s representatives say that the company is pulling out, claiming that they didn’t know about the event’s controversial theme. True Religion has pulled out as well.

At the time of this writing, Flaunt is going forward with their party, but a statement given to website Buzzfeed hints that might be considering some changes to the event:

“In its 15-year history, Flaunt has not shied away from controversy or provocation. We routinely cover topics of social and political contention. At our event, we intend to create an atmosphere of fun, and the spirit and theme were never intended to cause offense or harm. Guantanamo has been controversial from its inception, and that an unresolved human rights issue is again fetching headlines is, in our opinion, true to our aims as a publication. We value and respect the public’s concern and are taking action.”

Dear Flaunt;
I would be happy to bartend for your GTMO party. Gratuitous nasogastric ‘Fire n’ the Hole’ shots will be provided along with a special ‘Indefinite Detention’ cocktail for the ladies. Nondisclosure agreement required.

BuzzCoastin

I wondered how long it would be before GITMO & torture
became consumer commodities
god blush amerika